When President Obama rolled back many of the travel restrictions to Cuba after the U.S. re-established diplomatic relations, travelers were thrilled. Airlines like Jet Blue and Delta started flying to the Caribbean island, and even AirBnB apartments sprang up, ready for the influx of individual travelers that seemed eager to visit. But President Trump recently announced a new policy toward Cuba, and while many of the relaxed policies put in place by his predecessor will remain in place, there is one main area that will change (and it's bad news for solo travelers).

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What will remain unchanged is the fact that U.S. companies can do business in Cuba, direct flights can continue to operate between the two countries, and cruises can still call into the island's ports. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Havana will remain open, as will the Cuban embassy in Washington, D.C. What will change under the new policy is that Americans won't be able to visit as private individuals on "people-to-people" educational trips. While tour companies, such as Insight Cuba, will still be allowed to operate, they will do so under stricter rules (which have yet to be announced).

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This new policy is definitely a blow for individual travelers who had hoped to explore the country on their own, rather than as part of an organized trip. It's also a blow for the airlines, which were anticipating a substantial growth in that market due to the fact that individual travel would be on the rise. The change will not take effect right away, however. Within 30 days new regulations are expected to be written, but there's no firm timetable for when they'll be implemented.

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If you still do plan on visiting through a cruise or tour operator, much of what you'll find on the island remains the same as before the new policy, such as paying for things in cash once you're there. Cuba's frozen-in-time atmosphere might not be for everyone (for example, service in hotels and restaurants may not be what you're used to from other destination places), but for some, that's the beauty of visiting a place like this. And who knows? The policy could change back again, so this ban could be temporary. For more information on the U.S.'s new Cuba travel policy, click here.

Things to Know About Cuba

Currently, there are 12 approved categories in which to visit Cuba. Some of the ways that could pertain to Americans include things like family visits, educational activities, journalistic activity, religious activities, humanitarian projects, and support for the Cuban people; for a full list of the approved categories, click here. But of the 12 ways, the people-to-people exchange is the most popular option, whether you are traveling with a tour operator or taking a cruise. Keep in mind that all visitors will need both a passport and a tourist visa (your tour operator or cruise line will provide this for you).

All-Inclusive Vacation Packages to Cuba

There are several tour operators offering trips to Cuba, which can range from a weekend in Havana to week-long trips that take in the surrounding countryside and other cities and towns.

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Insight Cuba and Tauck are reputable companies that have been running Cuba trips for years. They'll essentially take care of everything such as flights, visa, and the itinerary. Insight Cuba, for example, offers a four-day/three-night Weekend in Havana tour, which starts at $2,995. The itinerary includes interactions with locals, perhaps a visit to an artist's studio, a local food co-op, or a recording studio where the Buena Vista Social Club has recorded music. A walking tour of Old Havana is also included, as are group lunches and dinners in local paradores (privately owned restaurants) and hotel accommodations.

Cruises to Cuba

Cruising is quickly becoming a popular way to enjoy a Cuban vacation. Carnival is offering five-day cruises starting at $449 per person, and they include a two-day stop in Havana. Royal Caribbean offers four-night sailings to Havana from $429 per person, and coming this December, Oceania Cruises is offering seven-day sailings starting at $999 per person that call in at places like Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba.

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Royal Caribbean

Flying to Cuba

Almost all of the major carriers now fly to Havana, including Jet Blue, Delta, American, Southwest, United, and Alaska (New York, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale are the main departure cities). A recent search on Jet Blue from New York's JFK to Havana offered midweek roundtrip tickets in July for approximately $250. When individual travel was being offered, you could simply buy a visa at the gate, but as that will no longer be an option, the flights will be utilized by tour groups and other individuals who meet one of the 12 criteria (perhaps a journalist on assignment).

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Where to Stay in Cuba

The most upscale hotels are the Hotel Nacional, Iberostar Parque Central, and the Hotel Saratoga (where Beyoncé and Jay-Z stayed). The larger hotels typically have comfortably appointed rooms (with air conditioning), efficient service, bilingual staff, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and bars/restaurants. Depending on the type of tour you're on and the company you've booked with, you could be staying in one of these hotels.

Hotel Saratoga

Other properties are currently being built, such as the Grand Hotel Manzana Kempinski, which is expected to open in 2018 and will feature a spa and a rooftop pool. A Four Points by Sheraton Havana, the first U.S. hotel to open in 60 years, opened last year. Again, as individual travelers won't be allowed to travel to Cuba, they can't take advantage of staying in an AirBnB, but other approved travelers may opt to use this form of lodging. A recent search showed a one-bedroom apartment in Old Havana for $118 per night.

In addition to Old Havana tours, there are Ernest Hemingway-themed tours, along with art-themed tours that take in galleries and studios where you can meet local artists. Beyond Havana is the countryside and smaller cities like Cienfuegos and Camaguey.

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When to Visit Cuba

The best time to visit Cuba is November through May when the weather isn't too hot and there isn't much rain. The low season is typically June through October, with the weather being intensely hot, especially in summer. If you don't mind the heat, it might be a good time to visit because hotels and flights will likely be cheaper.

Money Matters

Your credit and debit cards won't work, so you'll need cash. The currency in Cuba is the CUC. When you're exchanging your money in Havana, you'll be charged a 10% penalty fee, so before you leave for Cuba, you might want to exchange your U.S. dollars to Euros at your local bank to avoid being charged the 10% penalty fee (you won't have to pay the fee to exchange from Euros to CUC once you're there).

Internet Matters

Don't expect your internet to work the way it does at home. Sometimes the only place to get online is in the big hotels or at a public park (tourists can buy prepaid cards at kiosks for a few dollars, which give them a few hours of Wi-Fi). Think of your visit as a digital detox!

Traveling Within Cuba

Havana is very walkable, but taxis are plentiful, too. Hail a taxi — usually an enormous vintage American car — fun!

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Dining in Cuba

One of the best restaurants in Havana is San Cristobal Paladar, serving Cuban Creole fare (this is where President Obama dined during his visit). There are numerous paladares, serving everything from chicken and rice to oxtail risotto. Have a mojito at La Bodeguita del Medio (a favorite of Hemingway).

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Be sure to have a daiquiri at the iconic Hotel Nacional, and don't miss the over-the-top cabaret show at the Tropicana nightclub.

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Things to Buy

Cuban cigars, rum, and other trinkets are available. Americans are allowed to bring back $400 worth of goods — and that includes $100 worth of cigars.

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Coming Home

Cuba no longer charges an exit fee at the airport, which is good news (perhaps this could change with the new policy, though nothing has been announced). But keep in mind that the check-in lines at Jose Marti International Airport can be long, so make sure you leave plenty of time to make your flight back to the States.

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